675533 Aera UIC

Summary

SCH Number
2025031227
Public Agency
California Department of Conservation (DOC)
Document Title
675533 Aera UIC
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
3/27/2025
Document Description
Work Proposal: Aera proposes to rework a total of 1 existing steam injector well in the existing and heavily developed South Belridge Oil Field to continue oil and gas resource development. The specific rework activity includes adding perforations to an existing well, which should take approximately 3 days to complete. The proposed project consists of the California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) approving 1 permit(s) for Aera Energy LLC (A0610) to rework the well(s) listed below, in the Belridge, South Oil Field. API # Well Name 0403057662 Section 2 DE-V1A

Contact Information

Name
Randall P. Jeffries
Agency Name
Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division
Job Title
Oil and Gas Program Analyst
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency

Name
Gloria Colmenares Munoz
Agency Name
Aera Energy LLC (A0610)
Job Title
Submitter
Contact Types
Project Applicant

Location

Counties
Kern
Regions
Southern California
Cross Streets
1258 ft N and 2508 ft E from the SW section corner
Township
28S
Range
21E
Section
20
Base
MD
Other Location Info
Belridge, South

Notice of Exemption

Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 1, Existing Facilities (14 CCR §§ 15301, 1684.1)
Reasons for Exemption
The project is categorically exempt from CEQA under the “Class 1” (14 CCR § 15301) exemption per the CEQA Guidelines because the proposed project is a repair or minor alteration of existing facilities and will not involve an expansion of use of the oil field, and therefore is exempt from the need for full CEQA review. Additionally, in accordance with 14 CCR § 1684.1 the Class 1 exemption consists of operation repair, maintenance, minor alternation of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond that existing previously. The proposed work consists of perforating one existing well within an existing zone and returning its use back to steam injection. Additionally, a CalGEM engineer has confirmed that the proposed work would be a continuation of operations within the UIC Project 05200010, as permitted by the project approval letter (PAL).

Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 2, Replacement or Reconstruction (14 CCR § 15302)
Reasons for Exemption
Class 2 applies because it consists of “replacement or reconstruction of existing structures and facilities where the new structure will be located on the same site as the structure replaced and will have substantially the same purpose and capacity as the structure replaced[.]” The proposed project would make minor alterations to one existing well by adding perforations and returning its use back to steam injection, which was its originally intended use. The work will be done on an existing wellbore, which is located on an existing well pad. The project will not expand operations or change the existing use of the well. Additionally, a CalGEM engineer has confirmed that the proposed work would be a continuation of operations within UIC Project 05200010, as permitted by the PAL.?

Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 4, Minor Alterations to Land (14 CCR §§ 15304, 1684.2)
Reasons for Exemption
Class 4 exemption applies. The proposed project would be conducted entirely on an existing pad with enough space to contain all equipment. The project would not disturb any undisturbed areas. The rework/sidetrack would not expand the facility. The proposed project will add perforations to an existing well and return its use back to steam injection, its originally intended use. The proposed project is located within an active and dense oil field. There would be no construction of new facilities or expansion of existing facilities. Therefore, the proposed project “consists of drilling operations that result in only minor alterations with negligible or no permanent effects to the existing condition of the land, water, air, and/or vegetation.”

Attachments

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